Docks · 6 min read
What to Know Before Building a Dock in South Florida
Building a dock is exciting. It's also a project where a few early decisions save a lot of headaches later. Here's what to sort out before anything goes in the water.
Rules Come First
Dock size, length into the waterway, setbacks from property lines and permitting all vary by municipality and county. Some waterways also have environmental protections for seagrass and manatees. Confirm what applies before you fall in love with a design.
Design Around Your Boat
- Boat length, beam and draft
- Water depth at low tide
- If a boat lift is in the plan, now or later
- How you'll use the dock beyond boating
Pick Materials for This Climate
Pilings
Concrete, composite or treated wood — see marine piling.
Decking
Wood, composite or PVC — each with different maintenance and heat characteristics.
Hardware
Marine-grade stainless or galvanized fasteners.
Check the Seawall
If your seawall will need work within the next several years, it's often smarter to do it first. A seawall inspection answers that.
Choosing a Builder
Ask about licensing, insurance, permitting and warranties. Our page on dock builders has a list of questions worth asking, and dock construction covers the build itself.